Mulligans upgrades Cheltenham site and launches in Romford
Mulligans is widening its sports and games offer with a six-figure upgrade in Cheltenham and a new site opening in Romford this week (11 December).
In Cheltenham, the operator has completed a significant investment across its existing venue, introducing Electro Shuffle technology, enhanced sports viewing and upgrades to both 18-hole courses. The venue has also confirmed further digital golf technology will be installed before the end of the year, adding automated scoring and new interactive games to broaden its appeal for mixed ability groups.
General manager Lewis Marlow said the refreshed offer aligns with rising demand for competitive socialising and positions the site for a strong festive period.
The developments come as Mulligans prepares to open a new Romford location on Thursday at the Brewery Shopping Centre. The site, formerly Bunkers, has undergone a major six figure redevelopment to introduce the brand’s updated ports and games concept.
The Romford venue will offer Electro Shuffle, electro darts, pool, ping pong and crazy golf alongside a new sports viewing area featuring 146-inch and 65-inch screens.
Two Sixes Party Cricket batting cages will also feature as part of a partnership between Mulligans and Sixes, giving guests access to simulated match play and variable speed bowling.
Food and drink will include pizzas, nachos and bar snacks, and the bar will serve draught beer and cider, cocktails and alcohol-free drinks. New VIP areas will be available for private hire and group events.
Adventure Leisure chief operating officer Stephen Brown said: “We couldn’t be more excited to bring our Romford venue under the Mulligans umbrella and launch it under our new sports and games concept. We’re ready and raring to serve an all-encompassing experience for lovers of games, whether spectating or having a go themselves.”
Robinsons completes £8.4m brewhouse project
Robinsons Brewery has completed its £8.4m investment in a new brewhouse, following more than two years of commissioning and test brewing earlier this year.
The project consolidates brewing and packaging on one site and has already delivered a 12% reduction in energy consumption across gas, electric and water.
Reflecting on the move from Stockport town centre after 185 years, Oliver Robinson said, “It was a big decision to move our brewhouse after more than 185 years and six generations of brewing history. However, we had to look to our future and ensure our business is sustainable for our future generations.”
Robinson added, “The efforts of the teams involved in this project has been incredible. It has been a huge investment and of course not without its logistical challenges, but to be in the position we’re in now, it really is testament to the knowledge and commitment of our team.”
The brewhouse has now completed its 500th brew as Robinsons enters the next phase of its production strategy.
Sunrise invests £100k in Curious Brewery
Sunrise Beverages has invested £100k into Curious Brewery in Ashford to upgrade production capabilities and introduce new operational efficiencies across the site.
The group has acquired a portfolio of independent beer brands over the past four years, and now brews Efes, Orion, St Peter’s, Gipsy Hill, Curious and Portobello.
Sunrise said the investment will automate parts of the packaging line and pasteuriser while introducing enhanced manufacturing standards, including structured 5S management, to improve quality assurance.
Richard Mather, CEO at Sunrise Beverages, said: “Beyond the brewery itself, the Curious Taproom has also undergone a major transformation. In partnership with the exceptional team at Swan the Globe, the venue now offers a refined, chef-led menu and an elevated dining experience.”
The upgrades began in late 2024 with the installation of a flash pasteuriser to support production of Efes beer, followed by the introduction of a new keg washer earlier this year. Sunrise confirmed the programme will continue into 2026.
Star Pubs invests £750k in Horse and Jockey refurb
Star Pubs has completed its largest Just Add Talent refurbishment of the year, investing £750k into the Horse and Jockey in Waddington and bringing its managed operator estate to 220 sites.
The Grade II listed pub had been closed since 2018 and has now reopened as a family friendly local with a strong sports and entertainment offer.
The Horse and Jockey now features a bar, two lounge and dining areas, a games room with halo darts, a new pool table and multiple Sky and TNT screens. The interior has been upgraded, and external works include a full renovation of the building and the creation of a 130-seat courtyard garden.
The scheme is the fourth major JAT project delivered in the final quarter of 2025, following a combined £1.59m investment into Gibsons in York, The New Pin in Chellaston and The Canterbury Tales in Canterbury. Three of the four projects brought long term closed pubs back into operation. In total Star has added 32 new JAT sites this year at an average refurbishment cost of £255k per pub.
Operations director Mick Howard said: “We’ve had tremendous success with our Just Add Talent revamps this year. We know what works and look to make the most of every pub, ensuring it has the right facilities for its local community. Customers love the combination of a great looking pub that offers something for everyone, and our new sites are flying.”
Brunning & Price adds Blacknest pub to growing estate
Brunning & Price has opened the Barn Owl in Blacknest, Alton, taking its estate to 80 sites.
The pub, previously trading as the Jolly Farmer before its closure in January last year, becomes a sister venue to the group’s nearby locations including the Mill House in Hook, the Leather Bottle in Mattingley and the Refectory in Godalming.
Chief executive Mary Willcock said: “Following a relatively quiet 2024 in terms of acquisitions, we are delighted to have opened a new pub and even more delighted to have been able to do so before Christmas, meaning the locals of Blacknest now have a village pub back at the heart of their festivities. The Barn Owl will be a fabulous little country pub and sits in a strong location for us in an area that we already know and love.
“It’s fantastic to see the ‘B&P family’ growing again. Next up for renovation, the Mallard in Tidbury Green, near Solihull. This is a complex acquisition project that we’ve been working on for several years in terms of getting the planning and build costs right, but we now expect to be opening in early Autumn 2026, and starting on site in a matter of weeks.”
Derby community pub reopens after first phase of £320k refurbishment
The Travellers Rest on Ashbourne Road in Derby has reopened following the first phase of a £320k joint refurbishment from licensee Andy Newton and Admiral Taverns.
The project has delivered a full interior upgrade while preserving original features, and the bar and lounge areas have been modernised with new flooring, furniture and fixtures, creating a fresher and more comfortable environment for guests. Sports fans will also benefit from new 32-inch and 50-inch screens offering a range of streaming services.
Externally, the pub has been repainted and fitted with new signage and lighting, with the rear garden now able to accommodate around 100 people. A second phase of investment will begin in early 2026 and will completely refurbish the standalone function suite at the back of the site, including a private bar.
The pub will continue to run a busy entertainment schedule including darts, quiz nights and regular live music, alongside fundraising events for Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre.
Admiral Taverns’ business development manager Richard Skinner said: “Since taking over, Andy has brought real passion and dedication to The Travellers Rest and it’s been a joy watching him build a popular, community focused pub that is cherished by local residents.”
McManus reopens The Phipps following £350k investment
McManus Pub Company has reopened The Phipps in Northampton after completing a £350k refurbishment of the former Sir Pickering Phipps site.
The refurbishment has delivered a full redesign of the Wellingborough Road pub, including a new central bar, updated interiors and a layout geared towards all day socialising.
Additions include a private karaoke booth, enhanced dining areas and an upgraded entertainment set up, forming part of McManus Pub Company’s strategy to reposition the site for a younger and more mixed audience.
Managing director Gary McManus said: “The Phipps has been designed for fun, connection, and unforgettable nights, and we can’t wait to welcome the whole community through the doors.”
The reopening has created 15 new roles, with a full team now in place ahead of the busy festive trading period.
The Phipps now joins McManus Pub Company’s wider portfolio of refurbished venues across Northamptonshire, as the group continues to invest in sites aimed at combining hospitality, entertainment and community appeal.
